Emerson Sheepdog Spearpoint--HUGE Disappointment

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Boscobarbel

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Mar 16, 2016
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So, after culling my collection down to a more manageable number, I got a notification from Emerson that their Sheepdog flipper was once again available. I jumped at the chance, and got a black-on-black Spearpoint.

Background info, for clarity's sake: I am a federal law enforcement officer who carried an Emerson Commander for 15-plus years in all the worst places. When it finally experienced frame lock, I sent it back to Emerson for some TLC...it's back to its own self, and a fine specimen once again.

But I've evolved over the past years, and am solidly in the flipper camp for tactical use. I also own a ZT, an ADV, a Hinderer (flipper-ish) and the Holy Grail, a Hoback A15 UHEP. (https://www.knifecenter.com/item/JH...bronze-titanium-handles-with-black-g10-inlays). But my roots are with Emerson, and when the Sheepdog became available, I couldn't resist.

It arrived today, and right out of the box I was pleased with the action. The flipper actually flips (unlike my Hinderer), and the fit and finish were impeccable. HOWEVER, after just a dozen or so openings I got frame lock like you would from a decades old knife...bad enough that it takes two hands to unlock. And the lock consistently sets at about 75% or so of the blade's thickness...again, what you would expect from a knife that was decades old.

I've already contacted Emerson, but their website mentions a $20 "restocking fee" for returned knives (returned at the customer's expense, no less). I'm hoping that this is merely a disclaimer, and not how they would generally treat a customer with 20 years of loyalty.

Am I wrong?
 
About a month ago, I bought a CQC-7 Flipper. It was just like yours, it took 2 thumbs to unlock it. I thought about sending it back or calling. But instead, I just kept on flipping. It kept getting smoother and smoother and eventually after about 500-1k flips, its perfect.

So, I think you should keep working the action. It will lighten up and wear-in to be perfect.
 
Where did you buy the knife brother???
Wouldn't you return it, if you decide, to the dealer and not Emerson??
Most dealers will charge a re stocking fee only if there is nothing wrong with the knife and it is returned. Tire kickers should have to pay that charge, you shouldn't.
Trout, above post, makes a good point. I'm not familiar with Emersons, but most knives benefit from break in.
Good luck!!
Joe
 
I had the same issue except mines at 100%. Pics here.

Mines still locking up fairly solidly, but will need to go back soon I think.
 
Most Emersons begin their lives with lock stick (not frame lock btw) This is normal as the knife needs time to wear the lock to the point it no longer galls so badly against the tang of the blade. Eventually most Emersons locks wear to a point where they no longer stick but lock the knife open perfectly and don't really wear anymore. I believe this is because the locknwears to a point where it no longer wears anymore and from then on has perfect geometry for the tang of the knife. I also believe work hardening may have something to do with it. I would just keep the knife and keep using it. The lock stick problem is just a temporary issue that will absolutely go away after abt of time.
 
Every Emerson I have ever had did this even after repeated trips back to the factory the problem could never be resolved. I would say 1 in 5 that show up to me for sharpening have the same issue... I've given up long ago on Emerson.
 
Try cleaning the lock face with some isopropyl alcohol. You can also apply some pencil lead to the face and see if that helps.
 
Uh oh, the Emerson villagers will show up with their torches and pitchforks if you suggest that a brand new $200 knife shouldn't have lock stick, or questionable lock up, or bad fit and finish--those are all tactical features. If you don't know that, you're not a slick enough high speed low drag operator to handle an Emerson.
 
The Sheepdog has bearings, which I find makes the blade FLY out. I find this binds the blade much harder vs. if I use the thumb disk. Because of this I rarely flip mine, mostly either waving or manually using my thumb.
 
palonej said:
Where did you buy the knife brother???
Wouldn't you return it, if you decide, to the dealer and not Emerson??
Most dealers will charge a re stocking fee only if there is nothing wrong with the knife and it is returned. Tire kickers should have to pay that charge, you shouldn't.
Trout, above post, makes a good point. I'm not familiar with Emersons, but most knives benefit from break in.
Good luck!!
Joe
Click to expand...

Thanks. I bought mine directly from the Emerson sight.
 
Yo Mama said:
The Sheepdog has bearings, which I find makes the blade FLY out. I find this binds the blade much harder vs. if I use the thumb disk. Because of this I rarely flip mine, mostly either waving or manually using my thumb.
Click to expand...

Well, that's sure not gonna work for me, since I bought this specifically because it was a flipper. :grumpy:
 
Troutzill said:
About a month ago, I bought a CQC-7 Flipper. It was just like yours, it took 2 thumbs to unlock it. I thought about sending it back or calling. But instead, I just kept on flipping. It kept getting smoother and smoother and eventually after about 500-1k flips, its perfect.

So, I think you should keep working the action. It will lighten up and wear-in to be perfect.
Click to expand...

I can give it a shot, but with the effort required to unlock it each time, this is gonna be a tough row to hoe.
 
If it's that hard to unlock, give them a call. Don't e mail!! You'll get much quicker service with a phone call.
I can't see them charging you a dime and they should send you a shipping label.
Don't wait too long though!
Again, good luck!
Joe
 
Boscobarbel said:
I can give it a shot, but with the effort required to unlock it each time, this is gonna be a tough row to hoe.
Click to expand...

Before you start, apply either permanent marker (my preference) or graphite pencil to the part of the blade tang that interacts with the lock face. You could do the lock face as well. Reapply it every so often.

For me, this has always worked to make even the most sticky locks manageable.
 
It seems I am the only one so far who is confused by OP's use of the term "frame lock"
 
sharp_edge said:
It seems I am the only one so far who is confused by OP's use of the term "frame lock"
Click to expand...

I think (though I'm not OP, so don't quote me) this is probably a reference to the extremely common tendency for new Emerson liner lock knives to display lock stick, in which the lock bar seems to have decided the knife just needs to stay open forever.
 
If Bosco is thinking of returning that knife, I don't think he should take tools or markers to it.
Might be a problem when attempting to return it.
IMO the best route is to give them a call in the morning and explain his concerns. Hate to see him get stuck with a defective $200 knife.
I bought a Brous Mini Division off the Exchange a few months ago. I guess the fact that it was almost impossible to unlock the knife slipped the seller's mind. Oooooops!! Literally needed a tool to unlock the blade!
I loved the knife and got it for a pretty good price. So I called J Brous about it. He paid shipping both ways, carbidized the lock face, sent back a bunch of stickers and had it back to me in 8 days. Excellent service and I would think Emerson would do something similar for Bosco.......if that's how he'd like to handle this.
Let us know what you decide!!
Joe
 
evilgreg said:
I think (though I'm not OP, so don't quote me) this is probably a reference to the extremely common tendency for new Emerson liner lock knives to display lock stick, in which the lock bar seems to have decided the knife just needs to stay open forever.
Click to expand...

Bingo. Sorry for any confusion. I'd heard that jargon used in reference to this problem in other places...if there is a more technical term for the problem, I'm happy to learn something today. :o
 
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